at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, with just 30 seconds left, he launched a 58-yard touchdown to Brenen Thompson. That scene was appalling. No. 10 Arizona State One of the biggest upsets of the year saw the Bulldogs win 24–20. Fans ran toward the field when the whistle blew. Cowbells rung. The objectives went down. For a 2-10 squad in 2024, this evening was one of much joy.
Blake Shapen and Brenen Thompson lead stunning finish
Quarterback Blake Shapen stayed calm under pressure. Arizona State had just taken a 20-17 lead with a late field goal. The Bulldogs needed a miracle. With half a minute left, Shapen found wide receiver Brenen Thompson racing down the sideline. The throw traveled 58 yards. Thompson caught it and scored.
The crowd erupted. Mississippi State secured its first win over a top-15 non-conference team since 1991. Head coach Jeff Lebby praised his players. “Our kids never stopped fighting,” he said. “They believed, and tonight Starkville believed too.”
Fans wasted no time. Thousands rushed the field the moment the game ended. Cowbells echoed across the stadium. The goalposts fell within minutes.
One set was carried out by cheering fans. The scene was chaos, but it was history for the Bulldogs.
Greg Sankey reacts to field storming in Starkville
The celebration may cost Mississippi State. In May, SEC commissioner Greg Sankey confirmed a new rule. Every field-storming brings a $500,000 fine. There are no warnings. “Field rushing is field rushing,” Sankey said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s your first or your 18th.”
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“He Is The Only One”: Inside Coco Gauff’s Bond With Boyfriend Jalen Sera After Her US Open Heartbreak Against Naomi OsakaMississippi State might appeal, but the case looks tough. Arizona State players and coaches were still on the field when the posts came down. The fine seems certain.
Blake Shapen called the win
“a dream moment.” Brenen Thompson added,
“The energy in this place carried us. I’ll never forget it.”The Bulldogs turned last year’s heartbreak into hope. On a warm night in Starkville, they gave their fans a reason to believe again.